Element

Dynamic mechanical analysis, better known as DMA, is a powerful tool for understanding the thermal and mechanical properties of polymeric materials. Using deformation as the main variable for evaluation, DMA provides information about a material’s glass transition temperature and deterioration limit.

DMA measures the modulus (stiffness) and damping (energy dissipation) of materials as they are deformed under periodic stress. It can be used to assess the effects of temperature on a material, and characterize its physical properties. While DMA testing is closely related to other forms of thermal analysis, it is sometimes preferred over other test methods because of the clarity of test results.

Dynamic mechanical analysis can be used to determine fundamental transition temperatures, such as glass transition, and how that value changes with material formulation and conditioning. The mechanical response of different materials being considered for an application can be compared over the temperature range anticipated in service. For more advanced applications, DMA can include stress-relaxation behavior and creep testing.